“I am trying to find a college roommate, and so far I haven’t really liked anyone I’ve talked to. How can I find the best college roommate for me? What even is a good roommate?” -coll3g3b0und

Dorms and on-campus housing are among the important things you have to consider when starting your college search. Wherever you choose to go is most likely going to be your home for the next four years, and you don’t want to end up somewhere that you don’t like. (Pro tip: choose the college or university that has the comfiest beds, regardless of how good the education is!) 

Good roommates can be hard to find. Many colleges have a social media page, like Facebook, to help incoming freshmen connect and find roommates. Be sure to ask your mom or great aunt how to set up a Facebook account — who knows how to even use that horrendous site? You must get to know your possible roommate as well as possible. If you disagree on just one thing, it’s not going to work out. When you get in touch with someone, here’s some questions you should ask them: 

1. What are your hobbies/interests? 
2. What are you planning on studying?
3. Favorite foods?
4. How late do you stay up, and how early do you wake up? 
5. How clean do you keep your room?
6. How agreeable are you? 
7. Are you okay with sharing clothes? 
8. Can you be in charge of cleaning the dorm? 
9. Do you have personal boundaries? 
10. Would you be willing to do my laundry with yours?

Make sure you know everything about the person, even the personal details about their bank account, medical history, and immediate family. You will eventually get close with them, so why not speed up the process with a few friendly get-to-know-you questions?

When it comes to being a good roommate, it’s always best to be chill and laid-back. No one wants a roommate who is always on top of things and has their life together — it can stress out the other roommate! Sleep all the time, leave your dirty laundry in a corner, never clean up after yourself, and just be happy. Create a relaxing and free environment where your roomie can feel welcome. If for some reason they don’t like your lifestyle, tell them to pick up your stuff if they don’t like how it is.

Also, never be dependable. Even during an emergency, you cannot be there for them or help them out. If they begin to rely on your responsibility, they will grow far too attached. 

Good luck!